Friday, October 1, 2010

WVTK Local & State News October 1, 2010

The National Weather Service continues its Flood Watch through late tonight. The Weather Channel says Rain today with a High around 63.

Five of the Addison Central Supervisory Union’s seven elementary schools are going to explore the feasibility of merging their educational resources and governance in the future. The new panel is the next step in what has been an ongoing study of whether education services in the union could be offered more efficiently with fewer governing boards and fewer elementary schools. Bridport, Cornwall, Weybridge, Shoreham and Middlebury have voted to participate.

On Sunday October 10th the “10/10/10 Global Work Party” will take place. This is a way for Bill McKibben and 350.org to encourage people worldwide to work in their own communities on solving the global warming issue. In Addison County, at least 10 different events are planned. To get involved with an event or to register your own, visit 350.org.

Bristol selectboard members indicated this week they are hopeful that offices for the Bristol Police Department can remain in their current location on South St. instead of moving to Howden Hall. However selectmen cautioned that they are still negotiating a lease with the owners of the property.

The Vergennes Police Department has added Taser stun guns to their equipment lists. Chief George Merkel said the department now owns two Tasers, which he believes are a safer tool for subduing suspects. He said enough people are now familiar with Tasers that even their potential use can defuse situations.

This weekend, the Vergennes Opera House will host a lively program titled “Dance Mix.” However it may not appear to be what you think. Instead, the Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra’s set list will feature upbeat selections from the likes of Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Benjamin Britten. Performances take place Saturday at 7:30PM and Sunday afternoon at 4.

The Sand Hill Bridge on Route 125 in East Middlebury has survived three major floods since it was built in 1924. Now it’s in need of repair and a debate is underway regarding its replacement and the major detours that could be required during construction.

Middlebury firefighters want to hire a consultant to help determine if the department’s current two firehouses can be preserved and improved, or whether it would make better financial sense to build a new, more centrally located station. The Fire Chief feels it’s time for a feasibility study as a first step.

Town of Moriah transfer station will return to its winter hours today. The station will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8AM to Noon and 1-4 p.m.

Police say a South Royalton teenager has admitted shooting three cows from two roadways in Vermont. The 16-year-old male, who has no prior criminal record, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty and unlawful mischief, both felonies, as well as disorderly conduct.

The new teachers contract in Winooski doesn't contain step raises for teachers, long a staple of Vermont teacher contracts. Teachers union spokesman Brent Litterer says a committee will study the step-raise issue and see whether and how the system should be modified in future.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is joining with colleagues in the Senate to sponsor a measure aimed at protecting seniors from cuts in Social Security benefits. Their measure, filed on Wednesday, is being offered because a White House budget panel is considering cuts.

A 48-year-old Vermont man convicted nine years ago of impersonating a police officer is going to spend four months in jail after pleading guilty to stopping two motorists and pretending to be an officer. The Rutland Herald says Joseph Marro of Shrewsbury was arrested in July after a pair of fake police stops were traced back to him. Marro's attorney told the court his client was stopping motorists because he was frustrated by how fast they were going past his home.

No one is saying just what the punishment is, but the Williston town manager confirms Police Chief Roy Nelson has been disciplined for showing up at a crime scene after drinking. The manager says Nelson violated the town's policy for off-duty officers, and while he will not say what the disciplinary action was, he confirms the chief still has his job.

A food drive sponsored by CVPS to benefit the Rutland Community Cupboard rallied groups from across the county to donate nearly 20,000 food items to fill the shelves this fall. As of Wednesday the organization had 19,000 items, just shy of the 20,000-item goal. The cupboard expects to meet the goal with a few more deliveries through the weekend, including a large donation from Vermont Country Store.

The Diamond Run Mall is delinquent on almost $200,000 in impact and utility fee payments to Rutland City. The mall is located in Rutland Town pays the city for its water and sewer utilities and is obligated to pay impact fees totaling $100,000 annually until 2020. Rutland’s next step in collecting the unpaid fees remains unclear.

And today marks an important milestone here on WVTK! We are celebrating 1 year of Mr. Bruce Zeman as the host of the Wake-Up Crew program! Since Bruce has joined our team he works tirelessly everyday to keep you informed and entertained here in and around Addison County. Bruce’s dedication to being a voice for our furry friends has helped many animals in our region find loving homes through the Pet Of The Week Program with the Addison County Humane Society including his very own co-host Hobbes. I would like to send out a personal thanks to Bruce for all he does not only for the radio station but the community as well AND not to mention has become a great friend of mine! We’re glad you’re here Bruce!